Audi Planning Big Coupe-Like SUV Called Q8?

So far, the luxury SUV game has shown no signs of slowing its pace—especially among the big-time German automakers who kicked off the game in the first place. Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW currently offer no fewer than 10 different SUVs between them here in the U.S., and each of them have plans for more. Most of the rumors and reports we’ve heard place these new luxury soft-roaders in the smaller size categories—which tend to sell better, on account of their smaller price tag, lower fuel bills and ease of parking. So we were shocked to hear that Audi, in addition to reportedly planning small SUVs called Q1 and Q4, has kicked off plans to build a giant range-topping SUV called the Q8.

As we hear it, the Q8 will be based on the same platform as the Audi Q7 (and the Porsche Cayenne, VW Touareg, Bentley EXP 9 F and Lamborghini Urus), but unlike the equally-large Q7, the Q8 will be a swoopy, coupe-like four-door. Think Audi’s version of the BMW X6, or if you prefer, a big n’ tall version of the S7. It’ll likely be a bit lower than the Q7 and other similarly-giant SUVs, but still should be big enough to carry five people and a ton of stuff—and high enough off the ground to handle the worst excuses for a road the world can throw at it.

As if the idea of a large, sleek Audi SUV weren’t baller enough already, there’s a better twist: Audi may drop an RS Q8 version, with a 550 horsepower twin turbo V8 under the hood. Expect prices to start close to a hundred grand, with that RS Q8 topping out closer to $200K. Focus groups have reportedly loved the Q8 concepts they’ve been shown, but even so, don’t expect to see it on the road before 2017. There’s a lot of work left to do. [Shout-out to CAR!]